Page 102 of Surge

Delaney almost spat out her Dr. Pepper.

Garrett nodded at Heath. “I’m good to go. When do you want me?”

“Monday too soon?”

“Negative.”

“Ten-hundred every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, right?”

“That works.”

“You—” Delaney’s voice hitched, and she cleared her throat as she gaped at Garrett. “You’re going to teach tactical training? At the ranch?”

“I am,” he said with a slow smile. “Ghost and I talked about it and came to an agreement.”

“How will that work out with you doing contract work?”

“I . . . I was going to talk to you about that. I’m done.”

“Oh.” She couldn’t believe it—that meant he’d be here, around . . . a lot. That was good. Wonderful, even. Their relationship . . . Nerves thrummed, so she took a bite of her sandwich. Set her hand on the table, thinking through what he was saying, that he would stay . . . Did he feel what she felt?

He and Heath chatted about the different techniques and the possibility of finding a location for Garrett to train locals in self-defense for added income.

Delaney felt the whisper of a touch against her pinky and glanced down. Garrett’s hand rested there, and he was apparently oblivious. So she slid her pinky closer, hooked his.

His gaze flicked there, then back to Heath with a laugh about something. She’d lost track, too focused on them. Could they have a future?

“Thompson,” Crew said as he swallowed some food. “We’ve procured more dogs and want you to put them through scent training.”

“Oh, wonderful. Nice to have some job security.” At least she still had a career at the ranch, and apparently Garrett did too, so he’d be around for a while. “I hope to get in on Garrett’s class too. That okay?”

“That’s what it’ll be there for,” Heath said. “Classes are free for staff.”

They ate in silence for a few more minutes, then Garrett stood. “We’ll check y’all later. Ready, Rogue?”

Startled at his rapid change of topic, she faltered. “Uh, yeah. Sure.” What was up with Garrett? She scooted out and stood, hung her purse on her shoulder. “See you guys later.”

Crew and Ghost gave their farewells but kept eating.

On the way to the exit, Garrett dropped a large bill in the mason jar set out for donations. He stood by the passenger door at the Jeep, but instead of opening it, he leaned up against it. Definitely a bear face. But she trusted this Bear.

“That was a quick exit. You okay?”

“Yeah,” he said with a huff. “I like Heath and Crew. Good guys.” He sighed and opened the door for her. “Just wasn’t expecting them today.”

“You said today was a team event . . .”

He frowned and scruffed the back of his head. “Yeah, thought it was a good idea, since we saved Cantika and Fox was offering that Choca Cantika Barbecue Sauce. But when Zim and Caldwell had to cancel . . .” He gave her a sheepish look.

“You didn’t want to cancel.” She cocked her head at him. “You could’ve just asked if we could make this a date. We’ve been on a few. Remember, before your last op . . .”

“Right.” He took her hands into his. “I’ve been praying, and, well, after all we went through together in Southeast Asia . . .”

She considered him.

“I want something more than a coffee date. I want a future with you.”

Heart racing, she smiled. “Me too.”

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